Cooking device and components thereof

ABSTRACT

A cooking system includes a housing having at least one internal compartment and a cooking container receivable within said at least one internal compartment. A cooking volume is defined within an interior of said cooking container. A bottom surface of said cooking container is angled upwardly. A heating element is associated with said at least one internal compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/219,238, filed on Mar. 31, 2021, and entitled “Cooking Device andComponents Thereof,” which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 17/159,414, filed Jan. 27, 2021, and entitled “Cooking Device andComponents Thereof,” which is a 371 U.S. National Stage application ofPCT/US2020/042120, filed Jul. 15, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/874,193, filed Jul. 15, 2019, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a cookingsystem, and more specifically, to a countertop cooking system operablein a plurality of distinct cooking modes.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, cooking system includes a housing having atleast one internal compartment and a cooking container receivable withinsaid at least one internal compartment. A cooking volume is definedwithin an interior of said cooking container. A bottom surface of saidcooking container is angled upwardly. A heating element is associatedwith said at least one internal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said bottom surface of said cookingcontainer is oriented at an angle to a surface for supporting thecooking system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said bottom surface of said cookingcontainer is not orthogonal to a back wall of said cooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said cooking container includes afront wall and a back wall, and a height of said cooking containeradjacent said back wall of said cooking container is greater than aheight of said cooking container adjacent said front wall of saidcooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising an insert positionablewithin said interior of said cooking container, said insert including afood support surface having at least one opening formed therein.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said insert at least partiallydefines said cooking volume within said interior of said cookingcontainer.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said food support surface has agenerally horizontal orientation when said insert is arranged withinsaid interior of said cooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said food support surface is offsetfrom said bottom surface of said cooking container by a clearance.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said clearance defined between saidfood support surface and said bottom surface of said cooking containervaries over at least one dimension of the cooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said insert further comprises atleast one protrusion and said bottom surface of said cooking containerfurther comprises at least one channel, said at least one protrusionbeing positioned within said at least one channel when said insert isproperly installed in said interior of said cooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments an air duct separate from saidcooking volume is defined between said insert and a portion of saidcooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said insert further comprises ablocking wall arranged at an angle to said food support surface and saidair duct is defined between said blocking wall and a back wall of saidcooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising an air movement mechanismdisposed in said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a motor operable torotate said air movement mechanism about an axis of rotation, whereinsaid motor is located at least partially external to said at least oneinternal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism furthercomprises a fan housing having a first inlet, a second inlet and anoutlet, the first inlet and the second inlet being arranged in fluidcommunication with said outlet and a fan wheel rotatably mounted withinsaid fan housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said fan wheel includes a firstwheel portion having a first plurality of impeller blades and a secondwheel portion having a second plurality of impeller blades.

According to an embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing havingat least one internal compartment, a cooking container receivable withinsaid at least one internal compartment, a cooking volume being definedwithin an interior of said cooking container, and a heating elementassociated with said at least one internal compartment. An air movementmechanism is disposed in said housing. The air movement mechanism isrotatable about an axis of rotation oriented relatively horizontally.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said axis of rotation is orientedsubstantially perpendicular to a flow provided at an outlet of said airmovement mechanism towards a relative bottom of said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said cooking container is movablerelative to said housing along an axis of translation, and said axis ofrotation is oriented perpendicularly to said axis of translation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism includesa first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, said first inlet and saidsecond inlet being arranged in fluid communication with said outlet.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments an air duct separate from saidcooking volume is defined within said cooking container, and said outletof said air movement mechanism is aligned with said air duct.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a motor operable torotate said air movement mechanism about said axis or rotation, whereinsaid motor is located at least partially external to said at least oneinternal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism furthercomprises a fan housing and a fan wheel rotatably mounted within saidfan housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said fan wheel includes a firstwheel portion having a first plurality of impeller blades and a secondwheel portion having a second plurality of impeller blades.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a configuration of said firstplurality of impeller blades is substantially identical to aconfiguration of said second plurality of impeller blades.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments a configuration of said firstplurality of impeller blades is different than a configuration of saidsecond plurality of impeller blades.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism isdisposed vertically above said cooking volume.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism isdisposed vertically above said cooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments an insert positionable within saidinterior of said cooking container, wherein a portion of said airmovement mechanism is disposed in vertical alignment with said insert.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism ishorizontally offset from said heating element.

According to an embodiment, a cooking system includes a housing havingat least one internal compartment, and a cooking container receivablewithin said at least one internal compartment. A cooking volume isdefined within an interior of said cooking container. A heating elementassociated with said cooking volume. A rotatable air movement mechanismhas a first inlet arranged in a first plane of said air movementmechanism and a second inlet arranged in a second plane of said airmovement mechanism, said second plane being distinct from said firstplane. An outlet of the air movement mechanism is arranged in fluidcommunication with both said first inlet and said second inlet.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism isrotatable about an axis of rotation and during operation of said airmovement mechanism, said first inlet and said second inlet being fixedrelative to said axis of rotation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said cooking container is movablerelative to said housing along an axis of translation, and said axis ofrotation is oriented perpendicularly to said axis of translation.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first plane and said secondplane are substantially parallel.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first plane is defined at afirst side of said air movement mechanism and said second plane isdefined at a second side of said air movement mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said second side is opposite saidfirst side.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments an air duct separate from saidcooking volume is defined within said cooking container, and said outletof said air movement mechanism is aligned with said air duct.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a motor operable torotate said air movement mechanism about an axis or rotation, whereinsaid motor is located at least partially external to said at least oneinternal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism furthercomprises a fan housing and a fan wheel rotatably mounted within saidfan housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said fan wheel includes a firstwheel portion having a first plurality of impeller blades and a secondwheel portion having a second plurality of impeller blades.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism ispositioned vertically above at least one of said cooking volume and saidcooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising an insert positionablewithin said interior of said cooking container, wherein a portion ofsaid air movement mechanism is disposed in vertical alignment with saidinsert.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said air movement mechanism ishorizontally offset from said heating element.

According to yet another embodiment, a cooking system includes a housinghaving at least one internal compartment and a cooking containerreceivable within said at least one internal compartment. A cookingvolume is defined within an interior of said cooking container. Aheating element is associated with said cooking volume. A plurality ofair movement mechanism is disposed within said housing and a motor isoperably coupled to said plurality of air movement mechanisms.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor is located externally tosaid at least one internal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said plurality of air movementmechanisms includes a first air movement mechanism and a second airmovement mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor includes a first outputshaft and a second output shaft, said first air movement mechanism beingoperably coupled to said first output shaft and said second air movementmechanism being operably coupled to said second output shaft.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first air movement mechanismand a second air movement mechanism are arranged coaxially.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor operates said first airmovement mechanism at a first speed and said motor operates said secondair movement mechanism at a second speed, said first speed and saidsecond speed being substantially identical.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor operates said first airmovement mechanism at a first speed and said motor operates said secondair movement mechanism at a second speed, said first speed beingdifferent than said second speed.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one internalcompartment includes a first internal compartment and a second internalcompartment, said first internal compartment being fluidly separate fromsaid second internal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first air movement mechanism ispositioned within said first internal compartment and said second airmovement mechanism is positioned within said second internalcompartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor is positioned betweensaid first internal compartment and said second internal compartment.

According to yet another embodiment, a cooking system includes a housinghaving at first internal compartment and a second internal compartment.At least one cooking container is receivable within one of said firstinternal compartment and said second internal compartment. At least onecooking volume is defined within an interior of said at least onecooking container. At least one heating element disposed in saidhousing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one cooking containeris a first cooking container receivable within said first internalcompartment and a second cooking container receivable within said secondinternal compartment, wherein a first cooking volume is defined withinan interior of said first cooking container and a second cooking volumeis defined within an interior of said second cooking container.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one heating elementincludes a first heating element positioned within said first internalcompartment and a second heating element positioned within said secondinternal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising at least one air movementmechanism disposed within said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one air movementmechanism is stacked vertically relative to said at least one heatingelement within said housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one air movementmechanism includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, saidfirst inlet and said second inlet being arranged in fluid communicationwith said outlet.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one air movementmechanism further comprises: a fan housing and a fan wheel rotatablymounted within said fan housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said fan wheel includes a firstwheel portion having a first plurality of impeller blades and a secondwheel portion having a second plurality of impeller blades.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one air movementmechanism includes a first air movement mechanism associated with saidfirst internal compartment and a second air movement mechanismassociated with said second internal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one air movementmechanism has an axially oriented inlet and a radially oriented outlet.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said at least one air movementmechanism is rotatable about a vertically oriented axis.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments comprising a motor operably coupledto said at least one air movement mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor is located externallyfrom said first internal compartment and said second internalcompartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said motor is positioned betweensaid first internal compartment and said second internal compartment.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first cooking container andsaid second cooking container are individually insertable into saidfirst cooking compartment and said second cooking compartmentrespectively.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first internal compartment andsaid second internal compartment are fluidly separate.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments said first cooking volume and saidsecond cooking volume are fluidly separate.

According to another embodiment, a cooking system includes a housinghaving at least one internal compartment and a cooking containerreceivable within said at least one internal compartment. A cookingvolume is defined within an interior of said cooking container. Aheating element is associated with said at least one internalcompartment and an air movement mechanism is disposed in said housing.The air movement mechanism is positioned vertically above said cookingvolume and horizontally offset from said heating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification embodies several aspects of the present disclosure and,together with the description, serves to explain the principles of thedisclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooking system having a cookingcontainer installed therein according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cooking system of FIG. 1 absent thecooking container according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another cooking system absent thecooking container according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cooking systemaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a cooking system accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fan wheel of an air movement mechanismof the cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a control system of the cooking systemaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a portion of the cooking systemaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the portion of the cooking system of FIG. 8according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the cooking systemof FIG. 8 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a motor of the cooking system of FIG. 8according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the motor and the air movementmechanisms of the cooking system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cooking system according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cooking system of FIG. 13 , with thecooking containers removed according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cooking system ofFIG. 13 according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the FIGS., an example of a cooking system 20 isillustrated at numeral 20. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cookingsystem 20 includes a housing 22 having an exterior heat resistant ornon-conductive surface 24 and an interior surface 26 that defines an atleast partially hollow compartment 28 arranged within an interior of thehousing 22. The housing 22 may be formed as a single unitary body, oralternatively, may be formed by connecting a plurality of piecestogether. In addition, the housing 22 may be made of any suitablematerial, including but not limited to glass, aluminum, plastic, orstainless steel for example. A liner 30 may be disposed within at leasta portion of the housing 22. The liner 30 may be formed from anysuitable conductive material, such as aluminum for example. In anembodiment, the liner 30 forms at least a portion of the interiorsurface 26 and thereby defines at least a portion of the internalcompartment 28 of the housing 22. However, it should be understood thatother components of the cooking system 20, or surfaces thereof, may alsodefine the internal compartment 28.

A cooking container 32 is receivable within a portion of the internalcompartment 28 of the housing 22, such as a bottom portion of theinternal compartment 28 for example. Although the cooking container 32is described herein as being separable from the housing 22, embodimentswhere the cooking container 32 is movably connected with or integrallyformed with the housing 22 are also contemplated herein. The cookingcontainer 32 may be a pot formed from a ceramic, metal, or die castaluminum material. However, any suitable material capable ofwithstanding the high temperatures required for cooking food productsare also within the scope of the disclosure. In an embodiment, thecooking container 32 is configured to translate along an axis relativeto the housing 22 such that the cooking container 32 is slidablyreceived within an opening 34 formed in a wall 36 of the housing 22.Accordingly, in such embodiments, a size and shape of the cookingcontainer 32 may be complementary to the size and shape of the opening34. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the cooking container32 is generally square in shape. However, in other embodiments, thecooking container 32 may have another configuration.

The cooking container 32 has a generally hollow interior 38 forsupporting one or more consumable products, such as food products forexample, therein. Examples of food products suitable for use with thecooking system 20, include but are not limited to, meats, fish, poultry,bread, rice, grains, pasta, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products,among others.

At least one handle 40 may be associated with the cooking container 32to allow a user to easily grasp and manipulate the cooking container 32relative to the housing 22. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment,the cooking container 32 includes a single handle 40 extending from afirst, front surface 42 of the cooking container 32. Although thecooking container 32 illustrated and described herein has a singlehandle 40, in other embodiments, the cooking container 32 may have twoor more handles, or alternatively, a handle or groove formed into asurface of the cooking container 32. Any suitable configuration of thecooking container 32 and/or handle(s) 40 is within the scope of thedisclosure.

One or more inserts or food support structures 50 may be positionablewithin the interior 38 of the cooking container 32. In such embodiments,the insert 50 provides a surface on which food is supported. An exampleof an insert 50 suitable for use with the cooking container 32 is bestshown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown, the insert 50 includes a solidblocking wall 52 and a food support surface 54 having a plurality ofperforations or openings 56 formed therein. In the illustrated,non-limiting embodiment, the blocking wall 52 and the food supportsurface 54 are arranged generally perpendicular to one another. Althoughthe insert 50 is shown as being an L-shaped plate, in other embodiments,the insert 50 may include additional side walls such that the insert 50is a basket for example. When the insert 50 is installed within theinterior 38 of the cooking container 32, the blocking wall 52 and thefood support surface 54 of the insert 50 cooperate with one or morewalls of the cooking container 32 to define an area there betweenreferred to herein as a “cooking volume.” Further, in embodiments wherean insert is not disposed within the cooking container 32, the interior38 of the cooking container 32 may define the cooking volume.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the bottom surface 58 ofthe cooking container 32 is sloped relative to a bottom surface of thehousing 22 or to a surface on which the cooking system 20 may bepositioned and supported. As shown, the slope extends generally upwardlytowards a front wall 60 of the cooking container 32. As a result, aheight of the interior 38 of the cooking container 32 adjacent a backwall 62 is greater than a height of the interior 38 of the cookingcontainer 32 adjacent the front wall 60 thereof. When the insert 50 isinstalled within the interior 38 of the cooking container 32, the foodsupport surface 54 has a generally horizontal orientation. As shown, theinsert 50 may include one or more protrusions 64, such as tabs forexample, configured to contact the bottom surface 58 of the cookingcontainer 32 to achieve this desired orientation. The food supportsurface 54 is therefore at least partially offset from the bottomsurface 58 of the cooking container 32. Because of the angledconfiguration of the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32, theclearance 66 between the bottom surface 58 and the food support surface54, varies, and more specifically, gradually decreases from a back to afront of the cooking container 32.

The insert 50 and the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32 maycooperate to properly position the insert within the interior 38 suchthat the blocking wall 52 of the insert 50 is offset from the back wall62 of the cooking container 32. This clearance between the blocking wall52 and the back wall 62 defines an air duct 74 within the cookingcontainer 32, separate from the cooking volume, and through which air iscirculated during operation of the cooking system 20. In an embodiment,a contour of the cooking container 32 facilitates positioning of theinsert 50 relative to the cooking container 32. As previously described,one or more protrusions 64 extend from a bottom surface of the insert50, and as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the bottom surface 58 of thecooking container 32 may be contoured to define one or more channels 68therein. When the insert 50 is positioned within the cooking container32, the one or more protrusions 64 are received within the one or morechannels 68. The engagement between the at least one protrusion 64 andthe sidewalls of the channel(s) 68 properly positions the insert 50within the cooking container 32 to create a suitably sized air duct 74.

The cooking system 20 additionally includes at least one heating element70 operable to impart heat to the cooking volume during one or moremodes of operation of the cooking system 20. In the illustrated,non-limiting embodiment best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-5 , the at leastone heating element 70 is positioned within the internal compartment 28,generally at or above an upper extent or surface 72 of the cookingcontainer 32, such as proximate a center of the cooking container 32 forexample. In an embodiment, the heating element 70 is disposed adjacent acenter of the cooking volume and/or the cooking container 32. In suchembodiments, the at least one heating element 70 is mounted completelyoutside of the cooking container 32, and vertically offset from theupper extent or surface 72 thereof. In another embodiment, best shown inFIG. 3 , the at least one heating element 70 may be located adjacent therear of the internal compartment 28, such as in vertical alignment withthe air duct 74 formed between the blocking wall 52 of the insert 50 andthe back wall 62 of the cooking container 32. However, it should beunderstood that a heating element 70 located at any suitable location iswithin the scope of the disclosure.

The at least one heating element 70 may be capable of performing anysuitable type of heat generation. For example, a heating element 70configured to heat one or more food items located within the cookingvolume of the cooking container 32 via conduction, convection,radiation, and induction are all within the scope of the disclosure. Inthe illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the heating element 70 is aconvective heating element, and the cooking system 20 additionallyincludes an air movement mechanism 76, such as a fan for example,operable to circulate air through the cooking volume. The air is heatedas it flows along a path of circulation, such as by flowing over aportion of the at least one heating element 70. As shown, the airmovement mechanism 76 is located within the internal compartment 28 at aposition entirely above the upper extent 72 of the cooking container 32.In addition, at least a portion of the air movement mechanism 76, and insome embodiment, the entirety of the air movement mechanism 76, isdisposed vertically above the cooking volume, and therefore the insert50. As shown, the air movement mechanism 76 is horizontally offset fromthe at least one heating element 70. However, embodiments where the airmovement mechanism 76 vertically or horizontally overlaps or is alignedwith the at least one heating element 70 are also contemplated herein.

The air movement mechanism 76, or at least a portion thereof may beremovable from the internal compartment. In the illustrated,non-limiting embodiment, the air movement mechanism 76 is driven by amotor 78 located at least partially externally to the internalcompartment 28. Further, the cooking system 20 may include a vent 80 forexhausting hot air generated by operation of at least one of the airmovement mechanism 76 or the motor 78 to the exterior of the cookingsystem 20. Although the vent 80 is illustrated as being formed at therear of the internal compartment 28, embodiments where the vent 80 isformed at another location are also contemplated herein.

An example of the air movement mechanism 76 is illustrated in moredetail in FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment,the air movement mechanism 76 includes a fan wheel 82 positioned withina fan housing 84. As shown, the fan wheel 82 is configured to rotateabout an axis X oriented generally horizontally, and in someembodiments, the axis of the fan wheel is oriented perpendicular to thetranslational axis along which the cooking container 32 is configured tomove relative to the housing 22. The fan housing 84 has an outer wall 86having a scroll-shaped length, a first sidewall 88 including a firstinlet aperture 90 and a second sidewall (not shown) including a secondinlet aperture. Although the outlet opening 92 of the fan housing 84 isillustrated as being generally rectangular in shape, embodiments wherethe outlet opening 92 is another shape are also contemplated herein.

With specific reference now to FIG. 6 , the fan wheel 82 is typicallyformed with first wheel portion 94 and a second wheel portion 96. Boththe first wheel portion 94 and the second wheel portion 96 function asan air inlet and are configured to provide air to a single plenum. Theair inlet defined by the first wheel portion 94 is arranged in a firstplane at a first side of the air movement mechanism 76 and the air inletdefined by the second wheel portion 96 is arranged in a second plane ata second side of the air movement mechanism 76, the first and secondplanes being generally parallel. Accordingly, the air inlets defined bythe first and second wheel portions 94, 96 remain generally fixedrelative to both the fan housing 84 and an axis of rotation of the fanwheel 82. The first wheel portion 94 includes a first plurality ofimpeller blades 98 and the second wheel portion 96 similarly includes asecond plurality of impeller blades 100. One or both of the firstplurality and the second plurality of impeller blades 98, 100 may have abackward curved configuration, a forward curved configuration, oranother configuration.

With reference now to FIG. 7 , a control panel or user interface 102 maybe positioned at an exterior surface of the housing 22. The controlpanel 102 includes one or more inputs 104 associated with energizing theheating element 70 of the cooking system 20 and for selecting variousmodes of operation of the cooking system 20. One or more of the inputs104 may include a light or other indicator to show that the respectiveinput has been selected. The control panel 102 may additionally includea display 106 separate from and associated with the at least one input104. However, embodiments where the display 106 is integrated into theat least one input 104 are also contemplated herein.

Operation of the one or more inputs 104 will be described in more detailbelow. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control system 108 of thecooking system 20 including a controller or processor 110 forcontrolling operation of the heating element 70 and air movement device76 (including the motor 78 associated therewith), and in someembodiments for executing stored sequences of heating operation. Theprocessor 110 is operably coupled to the control panel 102 and to theheating element 70 and the air movement mechanism 76.

In addition, the cooking system 20 may include one or more sensors S formonitoring one or more parameters associated with the temperature of theheating element 70, the cooking volume, the airflow being delivered tothe cooking volume and/or and the insert 50 positioned within thecooking container 32 during a cooking operation. Accordingly, operationof the cooking system 20, and in particular of the one or more heatingelements 70, may be regulated in response to the parameters sensed bythe one or more sensors S. In an embodiment, the one or more sensors Sincludes a temperature sensor arranged in communication with theprocessor 110. In an embodiment, the temperature sensor(s) S, such as anegative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor for example, is positionedadjacent the rear of the internal compartment 28, upstream from the airduct 74 defined between the back wall 62 of the cooking container 32 andthe blocking wall 52 of the insert 50. In embodiments of the cookingsystem 20 including one or more temperature sensors S, adjustment of anoperating parameter, such as operation of the heating element 70 forexample, may be performed using the control algorithm in response to thetemperature of the heated airflow, measured by the temperature sensor Sdisposed in the heated airflow. For example, power provided to theheating element 70 may be increased if the sensed airflow temperature isbelow a set point, and the power provided to the heating element 70 maybe reduced or ceased completely if the sensed airflow temperature isabove a set point, thereby allowing the cooking volume to cool.

In an embodiment, the air movement mechanism 76 of the cooking system 20is a variable speed fan operable at a plurality of rotational speeds. Inan embodiment, the operational speed of the air movement mechanism 76may vary based on the cooking mode selected. For example, the speed ofthe air movement mechanism 76 during operation in a first cooking modemay be different than the speed of the air movement mechanism 76 duringoperation in a second cooking mode. The operational speed of the airmovement mechanism 76 may be controlled by the processor 110 in responseto one or more inputs 104, including selection of a cooking mode.However, the processor 110 may also be configured to adjust theoperational speed of the air movement mechanism 76, or alternatively,the power supplied to the at least one heating elements 70 to controlthe temperature and/or pressure within the interior 38 of the cookingcontainer 32.

In an embodiment, at least one input 104 on the control panel 102 is anon/off button which allows the user to activate or deactivate thecontrol panel 102. When the control panel 102 is deactivated, the one ormore heating elements 70 are not energized. In an exemplary embodiment,the at least one input 104 is operable to select one or more manualmodes of operation of the heating element 70. Alternatively, or inaddition, at least one input 104 is operable to select a stored sequenceof operation of the heating element 70. In some cases, the storedsequences may be particularly well suited for a given method of foodpreparation and/or for particular ingredients or types of ingredients.The plurality of stored sequences associated with the at least one input104 may be stored within a memory accessible by the processor 110.Alternatively, the plurality of stored sequences may be stored remotelyfrom the cooking system 20, and may be accessed by the processor 110,such as via wireless communication for example.

In addition, a user may be able to enter a time associated withoperation of the cooking system 20 in a desired manual mode. The timemay be entered via the same input 104 or a separate input 104 as used toselect a mode of operation. Further in embodiments where the cookingsystem 20 is in a mode configured to perform a stored sequence inresponse to selection of one of the inputs 104, the display 106 mayindicate a time remaining. Temperature or other parameters may also beentered via inputs 104 and/or shown on the display 106.

The at least one input 104 may include a distinct start button intendedto initiate operation in a desired mode, a distinct stop button to ceaseall operation, or a stop/start button intended to initiate and ceasefunctions. Alternatively, the cooking system 20 may be operable toautomatically start operation after a predetermined time has elapsedonce an input 104 has been selected and any necessary information hasbeen provided to the control panel 102. Alternatively, one or more ofthe other inputs 104 may be operable to start and stop operation of thecooking system 20, regardless of whether the cooking system 20 isfollowing a stored sequence or is in a manual mode.

As previously noted, the one or more inputs 104 may be operable toinitiate operation of the cooking system 20 in a plurality of cookingmodes. In an embodiment, the cooking system 20 is operable in a cookingmode where the heating element 70 is employed to perform a non-contactheating operation, such as a convective or radiative heating operation.Suitable cooking operations that may be performed in this first cookingmode include, but are not limited to air frying, broiling,baking/roasting, and dehydrating.

During operation in the first cooking mode, the air movement mechanism76 is operable to circulate a heated air flow through the cookingvolume. As previously described, the air movement mechanism 76 isoperable to draw air upwards, through the adjacent heating element 70and into the two inlets arranged at opposing sides of the fan wheel 82.The heated air is expelled outwardly from the outlet opening 92 of thefan housing 84 in a single direction. In the illustrated, non-limitingembodiment, the air output from the air movement mechanism 76 isprovided within a plane directed downwardly into the cooking container32. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the outlet opening 92arranged directly adjacent the upper extent 72 of the cooking container32, such that the air is expelled from the outlet opening 92 directlyinto the air duct 74 formed within the cooking container 32. Once theheated air reaches the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container 32,the hot air will be deflected off the bottom surface 58 towards thecooking volume. Because the bottom surface 58 of the cooking container32 is sloped, the interaction between the heated air and the slopedbottom surface 58 directs the heated air both forwards and upwardly,causing the air to evenly distribute from the back to the front of thecooking container 32 before passing through the openings 56 formed inthe food support surface 54 of the insert 50. The hot air is drawn bythe air movement mechanism 76 through the openings 56 and over theexterior of the food items positioned on the food support surface 54.From within the cooking volume, the air is then drawn back into one ofthe inlets of the air movement mechanism 76 for further circulationwithin the interior 28.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-15 , in an embodiment of the cookingsystem 20, the housing 22 includes a plurality of internal compartmentsarranged within the interior of the housing 22. For example, as bestshown in FIGS. 8, 14, and 15 , the housing 22 is illustrated as having afirst internal compartment 28 a and a second internal compartment 28 b,separated from one another at least in part by a divider or wall 130.The divider 130 extends vertically from a base of the housing or liner30 and forms a sidewall of a bottom portion of two adjacent internalcompartments 28 a, 28 b. In an embodiment, the divider 130 extends to alower edge of an upper portion of each internal compartment 28 a, 28 b,the upper portion of each internal compartment containing the respectiveheating element 70 a, 70 b, and air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 bassociated therewith. As shown, the plurality of internal compartments28 a, 28 b (both the upper and lower portions) are fluidly separate fromone another. Although two internal compartments 28 a, 28 b areillustrated and described herein, it should be understood thatembodiments including any number of internal compartments, such as morethan two compartments are also within the scope of the disclosure. Theplurality of internal compartments 28 a, 28 b may be substantiallysimilar in size and shape, or alternatively, may be different.

Each of the internal compartments 28 a, 28 b formed in the housing 22may be substantially identical to the internal compartment 28 previouslydescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-6 . More specifically, a respectivecooking container 32 a, 32 b is insertable into each internalcompartment 28 a, 28 b, and an insert 50 a, 50 b may be removablyinstalled within the interior 38 a, 38 b of each cooking container 32 a,32 b. In addition, each internal compartment 28 a, 28 b includes atleast one heating element 70 a, 70 b and an air movement mechanism 76 a,76 b configured to circulate air through the internal compartment 28 a,28 b, respectively. The components associated with operation of eachinternal compartment, such as the heating element and air movementmechanism are also independently operable and fluidly separate from thecomponents of the adjacent internal compartment.

In the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 , each air movementmechanism 76 a, 76 b is illustrated as a fan wheel or impeller 82 thatis configured to rotate about a generally vertically oriented axis. Theair movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b need not include a separate housingas previously described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 . Asshown, the air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b may be stacked verticallyrelative to the heating element 70 a, 70 b such that a flow of air isconfigured to flow from the heating element 70 a, 70 b directly to theair movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b sequentially. The axial flow of airprovided to the inlet of the air movement mechanism 76 a, 76 b isexpelled from the impeller 82 a, 82 b radially, adjacent the sides ofthe internal compartment 28. Although this configuration of the airmovement mechanism 76 a, 76 b is illustrated with respect to anembodiment of the cooking system 20 including a plurality of fluidlydistinct internal compartments 28 a, 28 b, it should be understood thatsuch an air movement mechanism 76 may also be used in embodiments of thecooking system 20 including only a single internal compartment 28.

As noted above, the cooking system 20 includes a motor 78 locatedexternal to the internal compartment 28 and operable to rotate an airmovement mechanism 76 about an axis of rotation X. In embodiments of thecooking system 20 including two distinct internal compartments, a singlemotor 78 may be used to drive both a first air movement mechanism 76 aassociated with the first internal compartment 28 a and a second airmovement mechanism 76 b associated with the second internal compartment28 b. In such embodiments, the motor 78 may be disposed within thehousing 22 between the first and second compartments 28 a, 28 b, suchthat the first air movement mechanism 76 a is mounted to a first outputshaft 120 extending from a first side of the motor 78 and the second airmovement mechanism 76 b is mounted to a second output shaft 122extending from a second side of the motor 78. As a result, the first airmovement mechanism 76 a and the second air movement mechanism 76 b maybe positioned coaxially (see FIG. 10 ). However, embodiments, where theaxis of rotation X1 of the first air movement mechanism 76 a is offsetfrom the axis of rotation X2 of the second air movement mechanism 76 bare also contemplated herein.

Because a single motor 78 is used to drive the both the first and secondair movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b, in an embodiment, both the first andsecond air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b are driven about their axes,even when only one of the first and second internal compartment 28 a, 28b is being used to perform a cooking operation. Accordingly, an airmovement mechanism 76 may rotate about its axis even when the adjacentheating mechanism 70 associated therewith is non-operational. In otherembodiments, the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b maybe independently operable via a shared motor 78. Further, in anembodiment, the motor 78 is operable to rotate the first and second airmovement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b, at the same speed. However, embodimentswhere the first and second air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b, arerotated at different speeds, such as via a coupling for example, arealso within the scope of the disclosure.

However, it should be understood that embodiments of the cooking system20 that include a separate motor associated with each internalcompartment are also within the scope of the disclosure. For example, asshown in FIG. 15 , the system 20 includes two separate motors 78 a, 78 bconfigured to operate the air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b associatedwith the first and second internal compartments 28 a, 28 bindependently. In such embodiments, each motor 78 a, 78 b may be locatedexternal to the internal compartment 28, for example in a verticallystacked configuration relative to the heating elements 70 a, 70 b, andthe air movement mechanisms 76 a, 76 b. In such embodiments, the motors78 a, 78 b may be located near an upper end or top surface of thehousing 22.

In embodiments of the cooking system 20 including a plurality ofinternal compartments, a single control system 108, as previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 7 , may be suitable to selectivelyperform one or more cooking operations associated with both the firstinternal compartment 28 a and the second internal compartment 28 b.Accordingly, the same inputs 104 may be used to provide control for theplurality of internal compartments 28 a, 28 b, or alternatively,distinct inputs 104 may be associated with each of the plurality ofinternal compartments 28 a, 28 b, respectively.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosureand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure.Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventorsexpect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, andthe inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includesall modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicatedherein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooking system comprising: a housing having afirst internal compartment and a second internal compartment, the firstinternal compartment and the second internal compartment being separatedby a dividing wall extending upward from a base of the housing; a firstcooking container defining a first cooking volume, said first cookingcontainer being removably receivable within said first internalcompartment to completely close off an opening to said first internalcompartment when fully inserted therein, and a second cooking containerdefining a second cooking volume, said second cooking container beingremovably receivable within said second internal compartment tocompletely close off an opening to said second internal compartment whenfully inserted therein; a first heating element and a second heatingelement disposed in said housing, said first heating element being inthermal communication with said first cooking volume and said secondheating element being in thermal communication with said second cookingvolume, the first and second heating elements being independentlyoperable to independently cook food contained within the first andsecond cooking containers; and a first fan and a second fan disposed insaid housing, said first fan being in fluid communication with saidfirst cooking volume and said second fan being in fluid communicationwith said second cooking volume.
 2. The cooking system of claim 1,wherein said first cooking container and said second cooking containerare individually insertable into said first internal compartment andsaid second internal compartment respectively.
 3. The cooking system ofclaim 1, wherein said first internal compartment and said secondinternal compartment are fluidly separate.
 4. The cooking system ofclaim 1, wherein said first fan is stacked vertically relative to saidfirst heating element within said housing and said second fan is stackedvertically relative to said second heating element within said housing.5. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein said first fan includes afirst inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, said first inlet and saidsecond inlet being arranged in fluid communication with said outlet. 6.The cooking system of claim 1, wherein said first fan has a firstaxially oriented inlet and a first radially oriented outlet and saidsecond fan has a second axially oriented inlet and a second radiallyoriented outlet.
 7. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein said firstcooking container includes a first handle and said second cookingcontainer includes a second handle.
 8. The cooking system of claim 1,further comprising a motor operably coupled to each of said first fanand said second fan.
 9. The cooking system of claim 8, wherein saidmotor is located externally from said first internal compartment andsaid second internal compartment.
 10. The cooking system of claim 8,wherein said motor is positioned between said first internal compartmentand said second internal compartment.
 11. The cooking system of claim 1,wherein the housing has a first opening extending into the firstinternal compartment and a second opening extending into the secondinternal compartment, and wherein said first cooking container isremovably receivable within said first internal compartment to seal thefirst opening to said first internal compartment when inserted therein,and wherein said second cooking container is removably receivable withinsaid second internal compartment to seal the second opening to saidsecond internal compartment when inserted therein.
 12. A cooking system,comprising: a housing having a first internal cooking compartment with afirst cooking container removably disposed therein and a second internalcompartment with a second cooking container removably disposed therein,the first internal compartment including a first heating assemblycomprising a first fan and a first heating element configured to cookfood disposed in the first cooking container, and the second internalcooking compartment including a second heating assembly comprising asecond fan and a second heating element configured to cook food disposedin the second cooking container, the first and second heating assembliesbeing independently operable to independently cook food contained withinthe first and second cooking containers, and the first and secondheating assemblies being programmable to simultaneously cook food inseparate cooking modes, wherein the first and second internal cookingcompartments are separated by a dividing wall extending upward from abase of the housing, wherein the first and second cooking containers arehorizontally coplanar when disposed in the first and second internalcooking compartments respectively.
 13. The cooking system of claim 12,wherein the first cooking container includes a first external handleattached thereto and the second cooking container includes a secondexternal handle attached thereto.
 14. The cooking system of claim 12,wherein the first internal cooking compartment and the second internalcooking compartment are independently operable to cook food using atleast one of conduction, convection, radiation, and induction.
 15. Thecooking system of claim 12, further comprising a control systemconfigured to operate the first and second heating assemblies, thecontrol system being configured to receive inputs corresponding to atleast one of a temperature, a cook time, and a food type.
 16. Thecooking system of claim 12, further comprising a motor operably coupledto each of the first and second fans, the motor configured to operatethe first and second fans at the same speed or at different speeds. 17.The cooking system of claim 12, wherein the housing has a first openingextending into the first internal cooking compartment and a secondopening extending into the second internal compartment, and wherein thefirst cooking container is configured to seal the first opening to saidfirst internal cooking compartment when said first cooking container isdisposed therein, and wherein the second cooking container is configuredto seal the second opening to said second internal cooking compartmentwhen said second cooking container is disposed therein.
 18. A cookingsystem, comprising: a housing having first and second internalindependently removable cooking containers disposed therein, the firstand second cooking containers being separated from each other by adividing wall extending upward from a base of the housing, each of thefirst and second cooking containers defining a cooking volume therein,the first and second cooking containers being configured to engage withfirst and second respective channels inside the housing to define firstand second respective air ducts therein; first and second heatingelements disposed in the housing adjacent the cooking volume of thefirst and second cooking containers, respectively, the first and secondheating elements being independently operable; and first and second fansdisposed in the housing adjacent the first and second heating elements,respectively, the first and second fans being independently operable,and the first and second fans being configured to circulate air throughthe first and second cooking volumes, respectively.
 19. The cookingsystem of claim 18, further comprising a control system configured tooperate cooking processes of food contained in the first and secondcooking containers.
 20. The cooking system of claim 19, wherein thecontrol system is configured to independently operate the first andsecond heating elements and the first and second fans.
 21. The cookingsystem of claim 19, wherein the control system is configured to receiveinputs corresponding to at least one of a temperature, a cook time, anda food type.
 22. The cooking system of claim 19, wherein the controlsystem is configured to adjust cooking parameters based on sensed datawithout user input.